As part of our policy of supporting regional and local cultural institutions throughout Ireland the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland recently acquired a number of items of historical interest and presented them to Donegal County Museum. They comprise the handsome 44 piece 18th century Mason’s ironstone dinner service of the Donegal Grand Jury, and a cap with cap badge and a silk bannerette of the Donegal Regiment of Militia.
The Donegal Regiment of Militia was formed in 1793. Its most notable place in Irish history was its role in the harsh suppression of the 1798 Rebellion when it participated in the battles of Forth, New Ross, Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill.
The county Grand Jury was the first form of local government in Ireland. Composed of local worthies – mainly large landowners and merchants – it levied rates and maintained the roads and workhouses etc. in the county, along with other functions which are nowadays carried out by county councils. It also conducted preliminary investigations into serious crimes.
